My thought her is that spirituality is based not on what we do or don't do 
but more of who we are; or whose we are.  Like being a prince or princess 
just gives you certain family privileges and responsibilities.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Phil Scovell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2013 9:29 PM
Subject: Re: Pray Without Ceasing


> We first must be spiritual.  I agree.  If I asked the question, then, "How 
> do we become spiritual enough to pray, that is, commune with God?"  Does 
> this mean there are degrees, or levels, of spirituality?  If so, how do we 
> know what level one must be on before our prayers are heard?  Good 
> question. How do we know our prayers are answered when we pray or does 
> that just depend upon God?  How does one correctly judge their own level, 
> or degree, of spirituality?
>
> Phil.
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Grant E. Metcalf" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2013 5:21 PM
> Subject: Re: Pray Without Ceasing
>
>
>> Phil ask: "But how do we generate that attitude?  An attitude of what?"
>>
>> 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
>>
>> The word "pray" comes from a Greek word "proseuch" which in its primary 
>> definition means "worship" It goes on to say in verse 18 "In everything 
>> gives thanks: for this is the _desirous] will of God in Christ Jesus 
>> concerning you." And notice in Philippians 4:6-7: "Be careful or anxious 
>> for nothing; but in everything by prayer (worship) and supplication after 
>> thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 and the peace of 
>> God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds 
>> through Christ Jesus."
>>
>> In order to enjoy the above prayer or grace communication relationship we 
>> first must be spiritual.  That means we are in fellowship with God, 
>> having our sins confessed, First John 1:9, and our minds focused on 
>> things above, at the right hand of the Father in the heavenlies 
>> (Colossians 3:1-3). Of course, this must all begin with considering 
>> ourselves to be dead to our old sinful nature and alive to God in our 
>> Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11). Then with our reflective thinking fixed 
>> on all of the benefits and riches we have "in Christ" we are able to 
>> offer up the sacrifice of praise for who and what God is; the fruit of 
>> our lips confessing or agreeing with Him about what He says about 
>> Himself. cf. Hebrews 13:15. Hebrews 13:15 should not be "giving thanks" 
>> but "confessing or agreeing" with God regarding what we find in His Word 
>> about His character. BTW, "name" implies character. When we pray we 
>> should be in right relationship as we pray. Tagging on the "In Jesus 
>> name" formula in and of itself is worthless!
>>
>> So then, the attitude comes from being in a right spiritual relationship 
>> to the Father and allowing the Holy Spirit to reproduce the quality of 
>> Christ's life in us.
>>
>> Father, You are a gracious God, providing so many wonderful benefits to 
>> your sons and daughters through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, given 
>> to us at the new birth. Thank you for the Holy Spirit Who is able to 
>> reproduce that righteousness in our lives here on earth as we walk by 
>> means of His leading us from moment to moment each day. And thank you for 
>> the hope we have of one day being able to stand and fall in worship in 
>> your very presence. And may the Spirit help us not to forget to study 
>> Your Word so that we may continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of 
>> our Lord Jesus Christ.
>>
>> Listening for His shout!
>>
>> Grant
>>
>> PS:  Click on the following link to the studies on Grace Communication:
>> http://bartimaeus.us/messages/dks-prayer.html
>>
>